Optomec, a leading global supplier of production grade systems for 3D printed electronics, announced that the company will showcase smart devices manufactured using its Aerosol Jet printers at the Sensors Expo and Conference, held this week at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in California. Optomec will demonstrate how products ranging from gas turbine engine blades to consumer handheld devices can be made smart with 3D printed sensors and antennas.

Highlighting the Optomec smart product showcase is a groundbreaking 3D Printed Sensor application that was developed working with a leading industrial turbine engine manufacturer. The production solution utilizes Optomec’s Aerosol Jet system to print strain sensors directly onto turbine blades used for in situ structural health monitoring.

The sensors are composed of a ceramic material that can withstand the very high operating temperatures seen in the hot section of the gas turbine. These sensors can detect deformations in the underlying metal that could ultimately result in an expensive and sometimes catastrophic failure. Additionally, Optomec will display functional devices produced with Aerosol Jet systems, such as 3D printed capacitive touch and temperature sensors and mobile device antennas.